Craft exhibition success

Craft makers at Cleveland College of Art and Design's Folio shop in Hartlepool, left to right, Aimee Ruby from Hartlepool Mind, Amanda Bradley, CCAD craft project coordinator and Rachel Skinner, of Hartlepool Mind.

Published:12:00Tuesday 09 October 2012

CREATIVE community craft-makers showcased their skills as they joined in with a college exhibition.

Cleveland College of Art and Design staged a series of workshops giving people the chance to take part in various craft activities.

The talented students who set up the exhibitions were joined by the Crafty Makers, a group made up of clients of Hartlepool Mind, a town-based organisation which supports people who are suffering with various forms of mental distress.

Fifteen workshops were set up at the college campus, in Church Square, in the town, which included creative hand embroidery, designing jewellery using clay, designing and printing bags and giant knitting exercises.

Youngsters could also take part in the fun and designed 3D cardboard robots and carnival masks.

More than 120 people took part in the workshops, which were funded by Arts Council England and the National Lottery.

Aimee Ruby, psychological wellbeing practitioner at Hartlepool Mind, said: “It was an amazing experience for our clients, it helped their confidence so much.

“There has always been a link between mental health and art and we are very grateful to have the opportunity to work with the college like this.

“The tutors were brilliant and explained things really well, the feedback has been excellent and it really inspired a lot of people.”

Melanie Shee, business development manager at the college, added: “The exhibitions were all about encouraging people to learn new skills and experiences, to come and try something they have never done before and get creative.

“It’s also about opening up the college to the community and giving them the chance to use the facilities.

“It has been a very successful project and strengthened our links with the community, which is important to us.

“The comments from the artists and makers in the workshops have been amazing and we would love to be able to do it again in the future.”